Meet Tiddles – he’s a southpaw

Animals are wired to prefer one paw or claw over another, and scientists have shown that this preference is a key survival trait

Monkeys use different hand to hold spoons whilst drinking milk (Rungroj Yongrit)
We are more like our pets than we think. Just as most humans are left or
right-handed, so cats and dogs prefer to use one paw instead of another.

Until recently, scientists had thought animals were ambidextrous. A series of
scientific studies now suggests that the phenomenon of “lateralisation” is
universal among animals and that the trait improves the chances of escaping
predators, foraging for food or finding a mate.

The trait extends across the animal kingdom. Nearly every creature, whether
mammal, bird, fish or invertebrate, is genetically wired to prefer to use
one foot, paw, eye or even antenna help them survive, researchers have
found.

The preference enables humans and animals to become adept at using one hand or
foot over another, allowing them to react more quickly and efficiently both
to opportunities and threats.

Chris McManus, professor of psychology at University College London and author
of Right Hand,